Me first: Warriors lose out as administrators scramble aboard Argentina flight

Former United States president Ronald Reagan once said the most terrifying words in the English language are: I am from the Government; and I am here to help. 

Maybe Reagan had Trinidad and Tobago Government officials in mind.

The “Soca Warriors” received a friendly invitation for a football match from 2014 World Cup title contender Argentina, ranked seventh in the world by FIFA, and the Ministry of Tourism spotted an inherent opportunity to market the two island republic and graciously stepped in to help sponsor the tour.

Photo: The Trinidad and Tobago national football team celebrates during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. (Courtesy CONCACAF)
Photo: The Trinidad and Tobago national football team celebrates during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
(Courtesy CONCACAF)

But, by the weekend before the high-profile friendly, the Government had clearly forgotten its mandate. And the CAL chartered flight that left Piarco for Buenos Aires had an eclectic guest list that included Government officials, former West Indies cricket star Brian Lara, president Anthony Carmona and his wife and the Siparia Rhythm Section; but there was no space for goalkeeping coach Michael Maurice and therapist Dave Isaac. It took Maurice and Isaac  another two days before they could join their colleagues in South America.

Any two persons on the flight could have given up their seats and postponed their trip until Tuesday. But that would have meant considering the needs of the country’s young men first; and such foresight, humility and vision is always unlikely when the Government is handling operations.

Just thank the Lord that no one was fondled, pushed over or screwed on the trip. Mr Live Wire understands that Glenn Ramadharsingh was not on board.

To be fair, the People’s Partnership does not have sole ownership of the “Me First” attitude.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Raymond Tim Kee (right) and Sport Minister Anil Roberts at the FIFA World Cup trophy tour in 2013. (Courtesy Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Raymond Tim Kee (right) and Sport Minister Anil Roberts at the FIFA World Cup trophy tour in 2013.
(Courtesy Wired868)

Just over a week ago, Port of Spain mayor Raymond Tim Kee could not spare two hours for a town meeting on the Brian Lara Promenade, which was put on by TV6 for the benefits of his environs and included DOMA president Gregory Aboud and Minister Bhoe Tewarie.

Yet, Tim Kee was happy to clear his week’s schedule to spend five days gallivanting in Argentina with the Warriors. Worse, the football president plans to return to Trinidad.

If the TTFA president, albeit one who doesn’t pay his coaches, does not respect his players and staff enough to sacrifice his seat and prioritise their needs as they go to battle for Trinidad and Tobago; then why would anyone else care?

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams might gave felt exposed in Argentina without his goalkeeping coach. (Copyright Getty Images/AFP/ Mike Zarrilli)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams might have felt exposed in Argentina without his goalkeeping coach.
(Copyright Getty Images/AFP/ Mike Zarrilli)

So, Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams was denied the chance of extra practice with his specialist coach; and God knows he might need it as he prepares to face the Argentine firing squad of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.

Still, it could have been worse. At least Minister Two Pull was not there to show the goalkeeper how to wrap up the action.

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About Mr. Live Wire

Mr. Live Wire is an avid news reader who translates media reports for persons who can handle the truth. And satire. Unlike Jack Nicholson, he rarely yells.

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39 comments

  1. Politicians only want office to help themselves and some of us in this country so naive to believe the PNM would be diffdifferent

  2. wham to Laventille & Point Fortin Rhythm Section?…..oh, dem is PNM!!

  3. Kamla donate empty bottles and the rest of spoons from the Min of Ed?

  4. That would be the bottle and spoon brigade essentially. Not that I want to downplay their music. But we all know why it is the rhythm section from Siparia that is getting all this air time now.

  5. Who or what is the Siparia Rhythm Section?

  6. Who do not hear will feel and Dr Rowley must be like Mr. Chambers and repair that cabinet he has in mind of building Raymond is over weight get that out

  7. Anil is there wine and dine in we face

  8. Christian any idea where I can see the game on line I am overseas?

  9. The national team NEEDS to be in a position where it doesn’t depend on the government for ANYTHING – as happens in major football countries of the world.

  10. Dem eh studying players and staff, dem want selfie with Messi

  11. lol. Tim Kee knows why he ducked the meeting. Bhoe Tewarie still wishes he’d done the same. rotfl.

  12. mayor Tim Kee better be careful who he keeps company with. dr Rowley better have a talk with him

  13. Not at all surprising. Crisis in leadership is everywhere

  14. Not free….is we the ppl pay d price….ppl need to learn and remember this.

  15. Susan you finally wake from your slumber long time I ENT hear you voice you well I hope?

  16. (A) because the money’s prob not coming out of his pocket for the trip. (B) which should really be (A) because of importance – They just don’t care! I don’t know what PoS is celebrating right now either! If you don’t look where you going you will break your foot on the sidewalk.

  17. What you all making noise for that is PNM choice for Mayor and Treasurer am sure it was a wise decision ent?

  18. You cannot fool God, so don’t make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. – Galatians 6:7-8

  19. The Warrior Nation Flag would have been perfect.

  20. Let’s hope someone from the TTFA remembered to take a national flag to Argentina with them.

  21. Half of them must be doh even self know what an offside or professional foul is. Is only lime and freeness. I bet they go sit down quiet like a mouse and when time to support the team, only go study if we winning to do anything.

  22. As with any major sporting event that this country has taken part abroad. The politicking officials always put themselves first. It’s a sad situation but one that may not change…… Unless I’m in charge

  23. My ministers? Rofl bai enemy of the people is my enemy also. All politricians are there for themselves. Dey have no time for anyone else…

  24. Minister 2 pull wasn’t there to wrap up d action lol

  25. Talk to your Ministers and dem nah boi

  26. This fella learn from d Best when it come 2 being crooked.

  27. They better not foist this Tim Kee fella on us in central government next year. Sickening.

  28. Dem more important than the players

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